Agile methods for agile universities

We explore a term, Agile, that is being used in various workplace settings, including the management of universities. The term may have several related but slightly different meanings. Agile is often used in the context of facilitating more creative problem-solving and advocating for the adoption, design, tailoring and continual updating of more innovative organizational processes. We consider a particular set of meanings of the term from the world of software development. Agile methods were created to address certain problems with the software development process. Many of those problems have interesting analogues in the context of universities, so a reflection on agile methods may be a useful heuristic for generating ideas for enabling universities to be more creative

Visual Rationalizations in Deep Reinforcement Learning for Atari Games

Due to the capability of deep learning to perform well in high dimensional problems, deep reinforcement learning agents perform well in challenging tasks such as Atari 2600 games. However, clearly explaining why a certain action is taken by the agent can be as important as the decision itself. Deep reinforcement learning models, as other deep learning models, tend to be opaque in their decision-making process. In this work, we propose to make deep reinforcement learning more transparent by visualizing the evidence on which the agent bases its decision. In this work, we emphasize the importance of producing a justification for an observed action, which could be applied to a black-box decision agent.Comment: presented as oral talk at BNAIC 201

Fibrinogen adsorption and platelet adhesion to silica surfaces with stochastic nanotopography

In this study, the effect of surface nanoscale roughness on fibrinogen adsorption and platelet adhesion was investigated. Nanorough silica surfaces with a low level of surface roughness (10 nm Rrms) were found to support the same level of fibrinogen adsorption as the planar silica surfaces, while nanorough silica surfaces with higher levels of surface roughness (15 nm Rrms) were found to support significantly less fibrinogen adsorption. All surfaces analyzed were found to support the same level of platelet adhesion; however, platelets were rounded in morphology on the nanorough silica surfaces while platelets were spread with a well-developed actin cytoskeleton on the planar silica. Unique quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) responses was observed for the interactions between platelets and each of the surfaces. The QCM-D data indicated that platelets were more weakly attached to the nanorough silica surfaces compared with the planar silica. These data support the role of surface nanotopography in directing platelet-surface interactions even when the adsorbed fibrinogen layer is able to support the same level of platelet adhesion

Does Medial Overhang of the Greater Trochanter Influence Femoral Stem Position During Cemented Hip Arthroplasty? A Retrospective Radiological Review

Purpose We investigate the effect that variation in the anatomy of the greater trochanter (GT), in particular the medial overhang, can have on femoral stem alignment in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods Pre- and post-operative anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of 576 consecutive patients undergoing THA were retrospectively analysed. Medial overhang of the GT relative to the lateral femur diaphysis was measured. The femoral morphology was classified according to Dorr classification. The alignment of the femoral stem axes on post-operative radiographs was recorded. Results Following exclusions, 500 THAs performed by six surgeons all using the same cemented polish tapered stems were analysed: 320 THAs were performed via the posterior-lateral approach and 180 via the direct-lateral approach. Mean stem varus was 0.53° (range: -7 to 7°). Mean medial overhang was 21 mm (range: 8-43 mm). An overhang of 30 mm had a mean varus of 2.33°. Those with an overhang of 30 mm. One-way analysis of variance comparison of these groups returned a p-value of <0.0001. Dorr type A femora had a mean varus of 0.52°, Dorr B had a mean varus of 0.54° and Dorr C had a mean varus of 0.46°. The posterior-lateral approach had a mean varus of 1.05° (range: -7 to 7°) compared to -0.40° (range: -5 to 5°) for direct-lateral approach. The t-test comparing approach was p < 0.0001. Discussion The extent of medial overhang of the GT can adversely affect the final stem position in THA, resulting in a statistically significant increase in mean stem varus. There is a linear relationship between stem position and GT overhang, with an increased chance of significant varus malposition (44.4% with >30 mm of overhang). Conclusions Scrutiny of pre-operative radiographs to determine high-risk patients is important, and we propose a classification system of GT anatomy to aid assessment

Midday measurements of leaf water potential and stomatal conductance are highly correlated with daily water use of Thompson Seedless grapevines

A study was conducted to determine the relationship between midday measurements of vine water status and daily water use of grapevines measured with a weighing lysimeter. Water applications to the vines were terminated on August 24th for 9 days and again on September 14th for 22 days. Daily water use of the vines in the lysimeter (ETLYS) was approximately 40 L vine−1 (5.3 mm) prior to turning the pump off, and it decreased to 22.3 L vine−1 by September 2nd. Pre-dawn leaf water potential (ΨPD) and midday Ψl on August 24th were −0.075 and −0.76 MPa, respectively, with midday Ψl decreasing to −1.28 MPa on September 2nd. Leaf g s decreased from ~500 to ~200 mmol m−2 s−1 during the two dry-down periods. Midday measurements of g s and Ψl were significantly correlated with one another (r = 0.96) and both with ETLYS/ETo (r = ~0.9). The decreases in Ψl, g s, and ETLYS/ETo in this study were also a linear function of the decrease in volumetric soil water content. The results indicate that even modest water stress can greatly reduce grapevine water use and that short-term measures of vine water status taken at midday are a reflection of daily grapevine water us

The virtual haptic back: A simulation for training in palpatory diagnosis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Models and simulations are finding increased roles in medical education. The Virtual Haptic Back (VHB) is a virtual reality simulation of the mechanical properties of the human back designed as an aid to teaching clinical palpatory diagnosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Eighty-nine first year medical students of the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine carried out six, 15-minute practice sessions with the VHB, plus tests before and after the sessions in order to monitor progress in identifying regions of simulated abnormal tissue compliance. Students palpated with two digits, fingers or thumbs, by placing them in gimbaled thimbles at the ends of PHANToM 3.0^®haptic interface arms. The interface simulated the contours and compliance of the back surface by the action of electric motors. The motors limited the compression of the virtual tissues induced by the palpating fingers, by generating counterforces. Users could see the position of their fingers with respect to the back on a video monitor just behind the plane of the haptic back. The abnormal region varied randomly among 12 locations between trials. During the practice sessions student users received immediate feedback following each trial, indicating either a correct choice or the actual location of the abnormality if an incorrect choice had been made. This allowed the user to feel the actual abnormality before going on to the next trial. Changes in accuracy, speed and Weber fraction across practice sessions were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Students improved in accuracy and speed of diagnosis with practice. The smallest difference in simulated tissue compliance users were able to detect improved from 28% (SD = 9.5%) to 14% (SD = 4.4%) during the practice sessions while average detection time decreased from 39 (SD = 19.8) to 17 (SD = 11.7) seconds. When asked in anonymous evaluation questionnaires if they judged the VHB practice to be helpful to them in the clinical palpation and manual medicine laboratory, 41% said yes, 51% said maybe, and 8% said no.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The VHB has potential value as a teaching aid for students in the initial phases of learning palpatory diagnosis.</p

Opticin: a potent anti-angiogenic/antiproliferative agent for breast cancer therapy

No abstract available

Growth, Body Composition, and Lung Function in Prepubertal Children with Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosed by Newborn Screening

Background: Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at risk of altered body composition (BC). Newborn screening (NBS) may lead to improved BC outcomes. We investigated BC and its relationship with lung function in prepubertal children diagnosed with CF by NBS. Secondary aims explored predictors of fat‐free mass (FFM) and lung function. / Methods: Thirty‐seven screened (non‐meconium ileus) children with CF (20 boys) born 2007–2012 had a dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scan at 5–8 years to determine whole‐body (WB) and appendicular BC. Anthropometry was performed and routine spirometry recorded. Results were converted to z‐scores, height‐adjusted (fat mass index [FMI] and FFM index [FFMI]) and compared with population mean values. Predictors of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were assessed using linear regression. / Results: Height, body mass index (BMI), and FEV1 were within normal limits, however, weight and BC were significantly low compared with reference data (weight, P = .03; WB FMI, P = .001; WB FFMI, P = .009). Gender differences were detected, with lower appendicular BC in boys and lower weight, BMI, and BC in girls. The association between FEV1 and WB FFMI (r = 0.38; P = .02) was stronger than with BMI (r = 0.29; P = .08). WB FFMI was the only significant predictor of FEV1 in a multivariable model (95% CI, 0.11–0.99; P = .016). / Conclusion: In this NBS CF population, gender differences in growth and BC were apparent despite preserved lung function. These results support BC assessment in prepubertal children, particularly girls, with an opportunity to direct interventions to optimize FFM

Negative impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown upon health-related behaviours and psychological wellbeing in people living with severe and complex obesity in the UK

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to unprecedented changes in the way we live, particularly for people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. People with pre-existing health conditions have been markedly impacted and, in some instances, left unsupported due to reduced provision of routine healthcare services. People living with obesity (PLWO) are identified as at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 infection. Currently, there is a paucity of evidence about the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on PLWO, including those accessing weight management and bariatric surgery services (WMS). METHODS: 543 adults (16–80 years) with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) were recruited between 14th May and 9th July 2020 through social media advertisements, professional and patient obesity organisations and WMS. Participants completed an online survey regarding the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown upon, mental health, well-being, health-related behaviours, risk mitigating behaviours, access to WMS and weight stigma. FINDINGS: During the first COVID-19 lockdown, the majority of PLWO reported deterioration of their mental health and health-related behaviours such as diet, physical activity (PA) and sleep. With 55% reporting an unhealthier diet, 61% reduced PA and 80% worsening of their sleep. Higher depression and lower wellbeing scores were found to associate with the greatest adverse impact upon health-related behaviours. PLWO who were attending WMS prior to the first lockdown reported a greater deterioration of their diet, with nearly 50% reporting worsening of their diet and PA worsening compared to PLWO who were not attending WMS. Most participants took two or more risk mitigating actions (73%). PLWO attending WMS reported reduced access (44%) with insufficient information (49%) from their clinical service providers. The majority of participants reported no change in perceived weight stigma. INTERPRETATION: This study shows the detrimental impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on PLWO in relation to health-related behaviours, mental health and access to WMS. Our findings show that PLWO with poor mental health and those attending WMS were most adversely impacted and highlights the need for greater mental health support and continued provision of support from WMS for PLWO during future lockdowns. FUNDING: This research was funded through National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre funding

A sense of embodiment is reflected in people's signature size

BACKGROUND: The size of a person's signature may reveal implicit information about how the self is perceived although this has not been closely examined. METHODS/RESULTS: We conducted three experiments to test whether increases in signature size can be induced. Specifically, the aim of these experiments was to test whether changes in signature size reflect a person's current implicit sense of embodiment. Experiment 1 showed that an implicit affect task (positive subliminal evaluative conditioning) led to increases in signature size relative to an affectively neutral task, showing that implicit affective cues alter signature size. Experiments 2 and 3 demonstrated increases in signature size following experiential self-focus on sensory and affective stimuli relative to both conceptual self-focus and external (non-self-focus) in both healthy participants and patients with anorexia nervosa, a disorder associated with self-evaluation and a sense of disembodiment. In all three experiments, increases in signature size were unrelated to changes in self-reported mood and larger than manipulation unrelated variations. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings suggest that a person's sense of embodiment is reflected in their signature size